2019 was an impactful year in beauty. It’s an interesting time in the industry where both ends of the spectrum starting with super holistic practices all the way to intense medical-grade procedures are accessible to more people than ever. When I first became an esthetician, the conversations I was having about products and procedures felt so limited that it became pretty boring to repeat the same basic beauty beliefs over and over again. I’m grateful that we’re at a point where beauty beliefs are both expanding and shedding. As I look back through this last year of a very pivotal decade in my career, I wanted to share my favorite discoveries and what I hope for in the new decade.

Here is my year in review:

Products I discovered and fell in love with in 2019:

Lesse - I get bombarded with requests to review products daily (I know, boo-hoo me) that often I have to turn them away because I don’t want to waste product. But when Lesse’s founder reached out to me about her line I had a different response. Why? Because one of my clients that had been struggling with cystic acne for the 4 years I’ve known her found her way to a calm and clear complexion with the help of the Lesse serum. I truly believe that products are just a small part of the equation but in this particular case, it was honestly the best find for this person’s skin. I immediately trusted it and wanted to learn about the origin and inspiration for the line. So I met with the founder, who experienced a similar skin journey that many founders have, with skin erupting after a stressful time followed by uncovering the lack of transparency in the beauty industry. What I appreciate about this brand is that it’s not claiming to be anything it isn’t, it is actually trying to encourage the mindfulness of less is more for the skin. The formulas are packed with ingredients that encourage a ritual, not a forced routine full of negative self-talk. It’s gentle, soothing, and allows your skin to shine.

Lauren’s All Purpose Serum - I was gifted this serum immediately after my laparoscopic surgery and was instructed that it could help with scarring. So I put it to the test and was pleasantly surprised by how immediately this formula calmed my skin. There’s a lot about this serum that I enjoy - the lightness, the stunning color, the natural aroma, and the way it wears on my skin throughout the day. I also find that it’s a great serum for anyone looking to soothe any inflammation, such as a great after-shave oil or to help reduce surgery scars. Anti-inflammatory serums are often thick in texture and are filled with so many ingredients that it’s hard to tell if they are invading your skin or helping it. This serum is honest in its promise and really enjoyable to use. Overall, the Lauren’s All-Purpose Serum surprised me and I’m grateful it found its way into my arsenal this year.

Avoila - This brand has not actually launched yet, but starting in February 2020, I have a feeling you’ll be just as excited about it as I am. It’s an avocado oil-based skincare company that I’ve been on the sidelines witnessing it’s production for over a year now. The founders, Kristy and Grace, have created an oil serum where the star ingredient is often overlooked in other formulations - the avocado oil. But it’s much more than just that, it’s for the “every person” looking to make even the smallest step towards conscious, clean skincare. Sometimes we don’t know where to start and the endless options overwhelm us, but with Avoila, they wanted to make things simple. I’ve tested it several times over in 2019 and it is such a beautiful product that I would feel confident gifting to anyone regardless of their knowledge on skincare or clean beauty.

Save (ur) Pretty Face - This screen protector almost makes me mad that I didn’t think of creating it myself because it’s so brilliant. 2019 is the year that people finally started paying attention when I talked to them about the potential damage blue light can have on our skin (and overall health). I’ve talked about it for years but somehow this invention was the way in for people to finally listen. I’m grateful because this little screen can have a big impact. As we continue to learn of the long-term effects of blue light on our skin and eyes, why not invest in a screen protector with the capability to protect us from it. What do you have to lose? PLUS, you can use the code “HAYLEY20” for a nice discount.

Wildling Beauty Empress Collection - I’ve loved gua sha for a few years now and it’s no wonder that I would fall in love with this brand as it was co-founded by the esthetician who introduced me to gua sha in the first place. Like many of you, Britta Plug came into my life via her beautiful Instagram as she was one of the very first to introduce this Traditional Chinese Medicine practice into the social media world. It inspired me to get advanced education on gua sha which has completely transformed my facials. For my personal practice, I love the Wildling Beauty Empress Collection because of the mineral-rich Bian stone which immediately brings vitality to my skin. The products that accompany the stone itself are also unlike anything I’ve tried before. They are simple, smell divine, and elevate the entire experience. This collection definitely topped my list for 2019 beauty finds!

Saje Crystal Deodorant - This is a random one, but I really fell in love with the crystal deodorant this year after exhausting myself of all other forms of natural deodorants. I even went deodorant free for several months because I grew frustrated with the natural options available. But that’s not always a great idea considering all of the detoxing my body went through from my surgery and endometriosis flares. This deodorant was consistent and has lasted quite some time. It was an impulse purchase that at $10, I did not regret.

Products I deepened my love for:

Laurel’s Whole Plant Organic Gentle Mask - I’ve loved this product for a while, but this year it became accessible for the public to purchase instead of just a professional mask. Every client with any type of inflammation - eczema, acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis etc. fell in love with this formula and it’s become my most used mask in my facials.

Josh Rosebrook’s Vital Balm - If you know me at all, you know I’m such a Josh Rosebrook stan. I love his entire line and am blown away with each new product formulation. However, this year I really fell in love with his vital balm. It nourished my skin throughout the year even though I’m typically an oily complexion. I felt that throughout the year, I needed a little extra nourishment and just the right amount of this balm soothed my skin (and my anxiety) during my skincare rituals.

Province Apothecary Moisturizing Oil Cleanser - Province Apothecary is a Canadian-based brand that I’ve loved for what feels like forever. I’ve tried almost all their products but this year, I just couldn’t get enough of their oil cleanser. I’m not big on crazy oil cleanser formulations because I have had such personal success with just organic jojoba oil, but this particular formulation helped me slow down and look forward to my nightly cleanse. I don’t often wear makeup but I tend to at least wear a bit of mascara which helped me remove without the foggy eye afterward. I highly recommend it and will continue to use it in the new year!

Trends that need to die in 2019:

Addiction to over-stripping the microbiome - I could talk about this at length, but isn’t it time we stop creating inflammation in our skin? Our environment is increasingly getting worse, our screens are weakening our skin, our foods are creating histamine reactions, etc. and somehow we feel like the answer is more peels, lasers, and invasive procedures that break the skin down even more? It just doesn’t make sense to me anymore. I know that I’ve been apart of the problem in the past by allowing myself to believe that the skin was capable of handling such high-level inflammation but the truth is that it no longer can. We have done enough and it’s time we release these treatments that are not only expensive but are also done way too frequently. Let’s release this beauty belief and start trusting in our skin again.

Marketing language that is perceived as scientific but only perpetuates negative self-talk - To me, language is a huge part of the beauty culture that has to change. I can’t help but cringe when I get another ad generated to me by some algorithm that thinks I want something to stop my skin from aging. Adding language that’s seemingly scientific to market fear-based purchases of a product is really cruel in my opinion. “Research shows…” or “Dermatologist approved…” doesn’t mean what it used to. Have you taken the time to investigate where this research was conducted or which dermatologist they are referring to? Probably not. And it’s because that information is often not as clear or available as one might hope. Don’t let the big words or crazy claims trick you into thinking your skin will change overnight. Do your research before investing in any product or follow-up with a trusted professional for personalized recommendations.

Influencer culture - I’ve not been shy on speaking out towards my dislike of influencer culture. I find it insulting every time I get an email asking me to participate in a campaign for fit tea or mlm skincare. High follower count doesn’t mean anything when it comes to responsible recommendations on skin health. The content I have seen many influencers share about skin health has not only made me cringe or throw my phone, but it’s caused issues I’ve had to repair for an impressionable person’s skin. Not only that, but it’s perpetuating a culture that popularity is the way to go. We all have such a unique and individual story that it’s rare that an influencer’s paid sponsorship is going to solve our problems. Don’t fall for it anymore, please! The bubble will burst on influencer culture soon so do me a favor by saving your money and your skin with a simple unfollow.

What I’m hoping to see in the next decade:

True Skin Health Education - Seeds of skin health education are planted throughout our lifetime but there is really no true skin health education out there. There are bits you learn in biology or health class, but what about what your culture believes in? Or what the media is sharing? So much of these beauty belief seeds are contradictory or they lack useful information for marginalized groups. What I hope to see in 2020 and beyond is accurate, supportive, attainable skin health education for all. Starting in our middle schools and commonplace in our spas and derm offices. We have a responsibility to teach about the skin but it can’t just be done with online courses (though I try!) and social media.

More esthetician based products - I’m not volunteering myself here but I do want to see more esthetician created formulas in the next decade. Creating products is expensive which is why many companies favor private labeling (already created formulas ready to be manufactured with your name on them). But maybe if we demanded an estheticians’ opinion instead of just a celebrity with the cash to formulate on what they’re personal preferences are (cough Kylie Jenner cough), maybe we would learn a little more about our skin instead of feeling disappointed when big claims fall through. PurpL + Prosper, Vurusha Skincare, Vetiver Skincare, and Heart of Gold are some of the few brands that I’ve loved from fellow estheticians. Let’s hope more collaboration products and heart-based lines will be making their way out soon!

Sustainable skincare practices in spa industries - One thing I have a hard time within my industry is the amount of waste we generate. And to be honest, it’s not just to be aesthetically pleasing, most of it is for sanitation purposes. But there are still many things we can do to lower our carbon footprint and reduce single-use waste. This is something I’ll be working on all year, so I’ll come back to you with suggestions. In the meantime, ask your local spa how they recycle, if they have a TerraCycle box for your old products, how they conserve water, etc. Get educated and perhaps inspire your local spa to do better by simply asking about their general practices.

Lastly….

Thank you for all of your support this year. I know I haven’t always stayed on track with beauty-related content because I went through the most intense physical and emotional transformations. For as many people that unsubscribed or unfollowed, many more of you honored me during this time and encouraged me to share my truth. Regardless of how difficult and messy it has been. It’s been a cathartic year and my commitment to my year of Yin taught me much more than I bargained for.

My connection to the beauty industry was rattled but at the end of the day, it is my first and longest-lasting love. I’m grateful that somehow Therapeutic Skin Coach is still here and I’m hoping that however it transforms into this new decade, it’ll be heart-based. Have a beautiful new year’s everyone and I look forward to sharing more in 2020!

Xo - Hayley

Find more ways to discover Your Best Skin, Your Best Self with Therapeutic Skin Coach